Glossary
We try to avoid jargon and explain abbreviations where we use them. This glossary will help to explain some of the health related words you will find on our site.
Audiology
Concerned with hearing, balance and related conditions
Brachytherapy
A form of radiation therapy where a sealed radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment
Cardiovascular
Involving the heart and blood vessels
Chronic
A chronic condition continues over a long period of time
Cryoablation
A process using extreme cold to destroy tissue
CT scan
Computerised tomography scan, creating detailed images of inside the body using x-rays and a computer
Dermatology
The area of medicine concerned with the skin
Endocrinology
The area of medicine concerned with hormone-related conditions and complications
Endoscopy
A test to look inside your body using a long thin tube with a small camera inside, called an endoscope
FRCP
Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
Gastroenterology
An area of medicine looking at the digestive system
Hepatology
An area of medicine that focuses on the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas
ICB
Integrated care board
Immunology
The area of medicine that looks at the immune system (which defends the body against infection)
Lymphoedema
A long-term condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues, usually in the arms or legs
MRCP
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
A type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body
Neonatal
Concerned with newborn babies in their first month
Nephrology
The area of medicine concerned with the kidneys
Nuclear medicine
Nuclear medicine uses radioactive materials to investigate how different parts of the body work
Oncology
Focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of tumours, particularly cancer.
Perioperative
Around the time period of having surgery
Pulmonary
Related to the lungs
QPSP
Quality and patient safety partners
Radiology
An area of medicine that uses medical imaging to diagnose diseases, and to help guide treatment
STP
NHS scientist training programme
T and O, T&O
Trauma and orthopaedics - the area concerned with bones, joints and the structures involved in movement including muscles, tendons, nerves and ligaments
TIA (transient ischaemic attack)
Sometimes called a mini-stroke, the blood supply to the brain is temporarily disrupted
UHS
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust